Following an arrest, your primary concern will be to secure your freedom as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the criminal justice system can be complicated and confusing, especially if it is your first arrest. When you find yourself in this situation, understanding what bail bonds are and how they can be helpful in your case is crucial.
A bail bond is a financial arrangement between you, the defendant, your representative (cosigner), and the bail bondsman. To secure a temporary release from jail, you, the defendant, or your cosigner will pay a specific fee or premium to the bail bondsman, who will guarantee the court that you will make all your scheduled court hearings.
If you or a loved one needs quick Bonita bail bonds following an arrest as a suspect in a criminal case, our seasoned bail bondsmen at Alana’s Bail Bonds are here to help.
Bail Bond Process at a Glance
Being arrested can be an overwhelming experience, but if you have an experienced bail bondsman, he/she can make securing your freedom on bail hassle-free, simple, and fast. Here is an overview of how the bail bond process works:
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Arrest and Booking
After an arrest as a suspect in any criminal offense, the arresting officer will take you to the station for booking and processing. During this administrative process, the officer in charge will record your charges to the system, take your fingerprint, perform a background check, take your mugshots, and perform a health check before placing you in the arrestee detainment facility.
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The Court Will Set Your Bail
After booking, bail is typically determined based on the San Diego County bail schedule. However, in some cases, a judge may adjust the amount during a bail hearing, based on the following:
- Your criminal record
- Your likelihood of fleeing after your release
- Nature of your charges
- Whether you have a history of skipping bail
While judges in San Diego County adhere to a standard bail schedule, the judge could decide to increase or lower your bail amount based on the facts and circumstances of your unique case.
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Contact a Licensed Bail Bondsman
Unless you are willing to put up your cash or property as bail, securing the services of a bail bondsman is a worthwhile decision following an arrest. The efficiency and simplicity of bail bonds can be reassuring during these stressful times.
Instead of going through the hassle of paying your full cash bail upfront, you will only have to pay the bail bondsman a fraction of that amount (typically 10%), and he/she will post the bail on your behalf. For quick Bonita bail bonds that you need to secure your release from jail without delay, you should ensure the bail bondsman you choose to work with is:
- Legally licensed and available
- Reputable and seasoned
- Offers flexible payment options on their premium fee
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Complete Paperwork and Payment
Once you contact a bail bondsman and provide the necessary information, they will begin the bail bond process immediately, including the location address of the jail you are in custody, your full name, and the name of the alleged charge, he/she will begin the bail bond process immediately.
The bail bond process starts by filling out all the necessary paperwork and paying his/her fee. Then, the bail bondsman will post the bail bond with the court where your arraignment occurred.
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Release From Detainment Facility
Once the bail bondsman posts your bail, the detention facility or jail will begin the release process. In Bonita, the release process after posting your bail bond could take one to four hours, depending on the following:
- The facility's workload
- How many staff or officers are present
- The number of arrestees waiting to secure their freedom on bail
- The amount of paperwork needed to process your release
Contacting a bail bondsman soon after your arrest is key to securing quick Bonita bail bonds to go home to your loved ones and resume your daily activities. Other benefits of working with bail bondsmen following an arrest in Bonita include:
- They are available 24/7, meaning you will secure prompt services
- They are familiar with the bail process, meaning quicker release from jail
- Bail bond services are affordable compared to cash bail, which the court requires you to pay upfront
Possible Risks of Securing Bonita Bail Bonds
Working with a bail bondsman to secure Bonita bail bonds has numerous benefits, but there are some risks with this decision that you need to be aware of. Most notable risks include the following:
Financial Liability
You must sign an agreement with the bail bondsman to secure Bonita bail bonds. When you fail to attend your scheduled court hearings to challenge the allegations you are facing, the bail bondsman will hold you or your cosigner accountable for the total bail amount. That is why it is important to comply with the terms of your release, because paying your full bail amount can be a financial burden to you or your cosigner.
Collateral Forfeiture
Sometimes, the bail bondsman could ask for collateral to secure pretrial release on bond. When you skip bail, the bail bondsman could seize any property you or your cosigner surrendered as security for your temporary freedom while awaiting your case’s verdict.
Legal Consequences
Skipping bail can lead to serious legal consequences. In addition to leading to the revocation of your bail, skipping bail could cause a re-arrest, a criminal charge, and possible challenges in your case.
Dealing With a Bounty Hunter
When you skip bail, the bail bondsman could hire a bounty hunter to track you down and bring you into legal custody.
Generally speaking, securing Bonita bail bonds involves agreeing to comply with all the set terms and requirements and possible repercussions. Complying with the terms and requirements of your release and fulfilling all the set obligations can lessen the above risks after securing Bonita bail bonds.
Jail Address
San Diego County Sheriff's Department
9621 Ridgehaven Ct
San Diego, CA 92123
South Bay Detention Facility
500 Third Avenue
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Courthouse Address
Superior Court of California
1100 Union Street
San Diego, CA 92101
San Diego Superior Court East Division
250 E Main Street
El Cajon, CA 92020
Find a Bail Bondsman Near Me
Securing your freedom on bail after arrest can be tedious and overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate the process alone. Our seasoned and reputable bail bondsmen at Alana’s Bail Bonds are here to help you seamlessly navigate the bail bond process. We invite you to call us at 619-468-9333 for quick Bonita bail bonds.
